Speaking Your Brand: Public Speaking Tips and Strategies

What if the thing that makes you most effective as a leader and speaker… isn’t perfection, but authenticity? That it’s not about having all the answers, but being willing to tell others that you don’t have all the answers?My guest is Judith Smelser, President and GM of Central Florida Public Media, and she shares her journey from journalist to leading a major public media organization and what she’s learned about using her voice along the way.We explore why local journalism matters more than ever, how the stories we tell shape our communities, and the responsibility of amplifying voices that often go unheard.But what I especially loved about this conversation is Judith’s perspective on authenticity over perfectionism—and how letting go of needing to have all the answers has made her a stronger, more effective leader.We also talk about imposter syndrome (yes, it still shows up—even at the highest levels) and why the real growth comes from stepping in before you feel 100% ready.If you’ve ever held yourself back because you thought you needed to be more polished, more certain, or more “ready”—this episode is your reminder that your voice matters now.Judith and I talk about:Why local journalism is a public goodHow stories shape communities and decisionsFinding your voice as a leader and spokespersonAuthenticity vs. perfection in speakingA real talk on imposter syndromeAbout My Guest: Judith Smelser is president and general manager of Central Florida Public Media, previously named WMFE, the only local nonprofit news organization serving the nine-county Central Florida region. She began her journalism career in Washington, D.C., before moving to Central Florida in 2004 to join the newsroom at WMFE. Over nearly eight years, she excelled as an award-winning reporter and later as news director. In 2011, she left for Colorado Public Radio, where she held several newsroom leadership roles. In addition to leading Central Florida Public Media, Smelser serves on the Executive Committee of the Board for Florida Public Media. In recognition of her contributions, Smelser was honored as one of ONYX Magazine’s 2025 Women on the Move, Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year and one of the Orlando Business Journal’s 2024 Most Influential Leaders.About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/465/ Central Florida Public Media = https://www.cfpublic.org/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Work With Us = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJudith Smelser (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithsmelser-cfpm/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 454: Your Voice Can Shape Policy: Communicating Science with Influence and Clarity with Deborah StineEpisode 406: Authenticity and Owning Your Story as Women with a Public Voice with Jennifer Adams and Sarah Henry Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

Today I’m joined by returning guest Tiffany Hawk - author, book coach, and longtime collaborator - to talk about why sharing your story matters, especially when you don’t feel ready.We explore how many accomplished professionals get stuck in what I call the “expert trap”, relying on expertise and credentials while holding back the personal stories that actually create connection.Tiffany shares insights from her work helping women write meaningful books, along with her own journey of returning to writing after years of self-doubt.We also talk about the messy reality of creativity, why the first draft is rarely pretty, and how community and accountability can make all the difference when you’re working on a book, talk, or other thought leadership project.This conversation is especially meaningful during Women’s History Month, as we reflect on the power of women using their voices to tell the stories that shape culture and create change. Tiffany and I talk about:Why expertise alone doesn’t create connectionThe role of vulnerability in thought leadershipWhy you shouldn’t wait until your ideas feel perfectHow storytelling helps audiences see themselves in your messageThe creative process behind writing a bookWe also share details about our Story to Spotlight writing and speaking retreat in Spain this Fall 2026, where we’ll help women develop their ideas, stories, and thought leadership in a supportive environment. Learn more and apply at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/ Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/464/ Get the details and apply for our Story to Spotlight Writing & Speaking Retreat in Spain this Fall 2026: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/spain/ Tiffany’s website: https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/intensive/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxTiffany Hawk (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyhawk/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany HawkEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 461: Storytelling as Resistance: Finding and Using Your Voice with Janice Gassam AsareEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

Many accomplished women already have the expertise, experience, and authority their audiences need. The missing piece is rarely more knowledge — it’s connection.Story is what bridges the space between expert and audience. It humanizes ideas, creates emotional resonance, and allows insight to truly land. When expertise is combined with purposeful storytelling, a talk doesn’t just inform — it connects, influences, and stays with people long after it ends.This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where three recent grads of our Thought Leader Academy each delivered a 10-minute version of the signature talk they developed with us, designed to transform expertise into meaningful connection through purposeful storytelling.As you listen, you’ll learn how powerful talks are built, including:How to turn expertise into a compelling narrativeHow to embed your unique perspective and lived experience into your messageHow story creates trust, meaning, and emotional connectionHow to structure ideas so they are clear, memorable, and actionableWhat they learned from the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for themLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/463/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/4s1LX8sGk7sDiscover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDiane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediazAllison Greco = https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongreco/ Brittany Sadlouskos = https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanysadlouskos/ Cam Dunson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/camdunson/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

What’s the difference between a presentation people forget in five minutes… and a talk that quietly reshapes how someone thinks, decides, and acts for months afterward?It’s not more information and it’s not prettier slides (although pretty slides are nice!).This episode is the audio from our Back Stage with Speaking Your Brand live show, where you’ll experience two powerful examples of what happens when purposeful storytelling meets clear, actionable frameworks - the core of every transformational signature talk.Erin Mark and Deborah Stine, recent graduates of our Thought Leader Academy, each delivered a 10-minute version of the keynote signature talks they created during their VIP Day with us and refined throughout the program. You’ll hear:Two real signature talks delivered by our Thought Leader Academy graduatesThe difference between informational speaking and transformational speaking, especially important for keynotesHow your message can position you as a thought leaderWhat makes a talk memorable and actionableWhat they learned in the Thought Leader Academy and what’s next for themLinks:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/462/ Watch the video at https://youtube.com/live/TKkEHY0rRXwErin’s website: https://erinmark.com/ Debbie’s website: https://scitechpolicyacademy.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Apply for our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxErin Mark = https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmark/ Deborah Stine = https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-stine/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 355: What a Signature Talk Is and What It Should be Doing for You Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

Your story is not just your story. It's part of a larger narrative about whose voices are heard and whose are erased.I’m thrilled to have Janice Gassam Asare back on the podcast. She's an organizational psychologist, equity consultant, and author of the new book Rise and Resist - and this conversation went places I didn't expect.What struck me most is how Janice reframes resistance. Not as something dramatic or career-ending, but as the small, daily choices we make: amplifying someone else's idea in a meeting, speaking up when it's uncomfortable, refusing to let an important story quietly disappear. Those aren't small acts. They're how culture actually changes.We also get into what it takes to develop your voice when you've spent years being rewarded for staying in your lane. If that hits close to home, this episode is for you.Janice and I talk about:Why storytelling is preservation and power, not just communicationHow personal stories build connection that expertise alone never canThe everyday acts of resistance that shape workplaces and culture more than we realizeHow to find your voice when you were taught not to rock the boatWhat to do when you speak up and face criticism or pushback for itAbout My Guest: Janice Z. Gassam Asare, Ph.D. is a Ph.D.-trained organizational psychologist and the founder of BWG Business Solutions, an award-winning consultancy designed to help organizations create cultures built on equity. Dr. Janice provides consultations, facilitates workshops, provides guidance, delivers keynote speeches and “Awareness Talks” to spark important dialogue about equity in the workplace. Dr. Janice has had the opportunity to collaborate with Google, Amazon, Yale University, Nordstrom, H&M, and Paypal/Venmo among many others. Dr. Janice is the author of three best-selling books, including her latest “Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice” coming in February 2026. She is a senior contributing writer for Forbes having authored over 500 articles, a Harvard Business Review contributor, a LinkedIn Learning and Udemy Business instructor and EBSCO Learning facilitator. In 2022, Dr. Janice was recognized as a LinkedIn #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity. In 2023 she was recognized by Gusto as one of the 25 Top Workplace Experts to Follow. She is a 2-time TEDx speaker, the host of the Dirty Diversity podcast and an adjunct professor at Columbia University. During her free time, Dr. Janice enjoys volunteering as a job coach for the Coalition for the Homeless.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/461/ Janice’s website: https://www.drjanicegassam.com/ Get Janice’s new book “Rise and Resist: How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/808352/rise-and-resist-by-janice-gassam-asare-phd/ Forbes article by Janice: “How Carol Cox Is Helping Women Speakers Get Paid What They Deserve” = https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2019/12/01/how-carol-cox-is-helping-women-speakers-get-paid-what-they-deserve/#1f5c3921533f Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxJanice Gassam Asare (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 156: Visibility Strategies That Get You Noticed with Janice GassamEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 378: The Power of Women's Voices and Stories to Change the World with Carol Cox Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

This episode is a rich and timely conversation about how we relate to what we know in an age of constant change and AI.My guest is Dr. Laila Marouf, a former academic who spent more than two decades researching and teaching knowledge management before having a powerful realization during the early months of the pandemic: the systems and structures she’d been focused on were designed for stable times, not for the uncertainty and disruption we’re all living through now.Out of that insight, she developed the concept of knowledge mindfulness - a more human, integrated approach that connects what we know (our “knowing”) with how we show up (our “being”) and the choices we make (our “doing”), all within the real context of our lives and work.In this episode, you’ll hear:The difference between traditional knowledge management and knowledge mindfulnessWhy knowledge isn’t something to hoard as an asset, but a living system that needs to be nurtured and sharedHow to navigate the “fog” of uncertainty with small, thoughtful steps instead of searching for one big, perfect answerThe role of trusted others, wisdom, and unity in a world where AI can outperform us on information and efficiencyWe also talk about what this means for your leadership, your business, and your life, especially if you’ve been feeling like you’re on a treadmill, craving more meaning, spaciousness, and alignment in how you work and live.About My Guest: Dr. Laila Marouf is Founder and Chief Knowledge Officer of Knowledge Mindfulness LLC. , an organization dedicated to evolving leaders' knowledge maturity to achieve holistic success through the use of Knowledge Mindfulness approach and strategy. Dr. Marouf has a PhD in information science with a focus on knowledge management. From there, she has embarked on a long career as a professor, researcher, consultant, and academic leader. In her book “Knowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections that Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life,” Dr. Marouf presents a transformative new approach to knowledge management for both individuals and organizations. Applying cutting-edge research from the worlds of business, economics, psychology, neuroscience, and the social sciences, she reveals more holistic, effective, and humane ways of harnessing knowledge to build trusting relationships and drive positive and responsible impact. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals clarify their brand message and story, create their signature talks, and develop their thought leadership platforms. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power because it's through women's stories, voices, and visibility that we challenge the status quo and change existing systems. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/460/ Laila’s website: https://knowledgemindfulness.com/ Laila’s book “Knowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections That Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life”: https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Mindfulness-Interconnections-Transform-Business-ebook/dp/B0CFGBWZ75/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Apply for our Thought Leader Academy = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxDr. Laila Marouf (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-marouf/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 458: Same Message, Different Medium, Different StrategyEpisode 392: Why I No Longer "Teach from the Stage"Episode 382: 3 Signs You're Stuck in the Expert Trap with Your Public Speaking Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

What does it look like to turn an idea into a message, a message into a signature talk, and a signature talk into a published book?In this episode, I sit down with Thought Leader Academy graduate Melania Murphy to talk about her powerful journey from spark to spotlight. Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched Melania take a deeply personal idea and transform it into a compelling signature talk—and now, a published book. If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your message on a bigger stage or turning your ideas into a book, this conversation will show you what’s possible.Melania’s new book, Bound by Love, Not Tradition, explores married name choices and how women can make intentional decisions that reflect their identity, values, and partnership. But this episode isn’t just about names—it’s about voice, courage, and claiming your message.We talk about why so many people stay stuck in the idea phase, how Melania found the confidence to speak without hiding behind slides, and how her signature talk became the blueprint for her book. You’ll hear how storytelling, structure, and clarity helped her move from logic-heavy content to a message that truly resonates with audiences.We also dive into the realities of publishing—what it takes to bring a book to life, how platform-building matters, and why promotion starts long before launch day.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to move from idea → signature talk → bookWhy your message becomes clearer when you speak it out loudHow storytelling builds confidence and audience connectionThe role your signature talk can play in shaping your thought leadershipWhat really happens behind the scenes of publishing and promoting a bookIf you’ve been sitting on an idea—maybe for months or even years—consider this your nudge. Your message doesn’t have to stay in your head. It can become your talk, your platform, and maybe even your book.About My Guest: Melania Murphy is a writer, speaker, and author of "Bound by Love, Not Tradition: Empowering Women Through Married Name Choices." With a degree in applied behavioral science, she enjoys blending storytelling with research to explore identity, relationships, and the traditions that shape our choices. She's been a journalist for over 20 years and is a frequent guest on podcasts discussing the deeply personal and culturally complex issue of married name choices.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/459/Get Melania’s book "Bound by Love, Not Tradition: Empowering Women Through Married Name Choices”: https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Love-Not-Tradition-Empowering/dp/0960132309/ Melania’s website: https://www.melaniajoy.com/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day in-person Speaking Accelerator workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn:Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxMelania Murphy (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/melania-joy-murphy-28504263/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 458: Same Message, Different Medium, Different Strategy with Carol CoxEpisode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany Hawk Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

One of the most common mistakes I see speakers make is trying to deliver a six-week course or a full-length book in a 45-minute talk.And then they wonder why: • the audience looks overwhelmed • the energy drops • no one remembers their message • leads don’t convertHere’s the mindset shift that changes everything: Same message. Different medium. Different strategy.When your message doesn’t match the format, your talk can feel confusing, overwhelming, and forgettable — no matter how good your content is. But when your message fits the medium, your impact multiplies.In this episode, I share:The reasons you want to cram more content into your presentationsHow each format — lead generation presentation, keynote, workshop, course, coaching, and book — plays a distinct roleWhy books are uniquely powerful for depth, nuance, and authority (and how this ties into my upcoming author interviews)How to escape the expert trap and step into thought leadershipIf you’re building talks, presentations, workshops, courses, or a book, this episode will completely change how you think about your content ecosystem.Ready to build a signature talk that gets you the results you want? Learn more about working with us inside the Thought Leader Academy or through a stand-alone VIP Day.Links:Show notes and Message-Medium visual image at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/458/  Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Attend our 1-day Speaking Accelerator Workshop in Orlando: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxRelated Podcast Episodes:Podcast Series: The Medium is the MessageEpisode 422: How to Create a 10-Out-of-10 Keynote that Leaves Your Audience in Awe with Julia KornEpisode 362: Integrating Thought Leadership and Lead Generation in Your Signature Talk with Danielle HaydenEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany Hawk Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

Have you ever hesitated to call yourself a speaker… or a thought leader… even though you know you have something important to say?I see it all the time: brilliant women who have delivered keynotes, led workshops, facilitated panels, taught classes, and spoken on stages — yet still say, “I’m not a speaker.” Sound familiar?So in this episode, I’m gently (okay, maybe a little lovingly persuasively) challenging you to rethink that hesitation.We dig into why so many women resist claiming the identity of speaker and thought leader, what’s really happening beneath the surface, and — most importantly — how to start shifting that identity in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and aligned with who you truly are.I also share something personal: my own struggle with claiming the identity of writer as I work on my book. Yep, even after hundreds of podcast episodes, years of speaking, and decades of communication work, identity shifts can still feel vulnerable. You’re in good company.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why women often resist calling themselves speakers and thought leadersHow comparison and perfectionism quietly keep us stuckThe surprising psychology behind identity shifts (inspired by Atomic Habits)Simple, concrete steps you can take right now to start owning your voiceWhy claiming your identity isn’t about ego — it’s about impactI also share practical actions you can take today — from small LinkedIn tweaks to mindset shifts — that will help you step into your role as a visible leader with more confidence and ease.And because I love a powerful real-world example, I read a moving testimonial from one of our retreat clients that beautifully illustrates what happens when women finally own their voice and presence.If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing small, waiting until you’re “ready,” or hesitating to fully step into your visibility, this episode is your loving nudge forward.Because the truth is: we need your voice.This episode originally aired as episode 391 on May 6, 2024.Links:Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/391/ Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcoxBook mentioned “Atomic Habits”: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break-ebook/dp/B07D23CFGR/ Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 371: What to Include in Your Speaker Video Reel and Speaker PageEpisode 407: Building Your Speaking Platform as an Author (Even If You're an Introvert!) with Tiffany HawkEpisode 257: Writing a Book Gives Your Ideas Depth and Longevity with Tiffany HawkEpisode 301: Why We Get Imposter Syndrome and What to Do About It with Melody Wilding Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable 

Your personal brand isn’t optional anymore, even if you wish it were. In this episode, I dig into why your personal brand matters more than ever, especially in a world overflowing with content (and now AI-generated content, too), and how it connects to your thought leadership and your business I talk about a common hesitation I see with many women: the feeling that cultivating a personal brand is self-indulgent, unnecessary, or something “other people” do. But here’s the truth: you already have a personal brand. It’s how others describe you, what they associate with you, and whether they know what truly matters to you.I share a personal story about how a podcast listener (and later Thought Leader Academy client) connected deeply with my background in history, feminism, and women’s leadership and how that connection happened not by accident, but through intentional thought leadership woven into my brand.In this episode, I break down:The difference between your business, your thought leadership, and your personal brand - and why they’re not the same thingWhy thought leadership is the why behind your work, not a sales messageHow your personal brand is the embodiment of that thought leadership: you are the messengerWhat to do if your career path feels messy or disconnected (hint: there is a thread)Why authenticity, real stories, and lived experience matter even more in the age of AIHow your signature talk brings your business, thought leadership, and personal brand together in one cohesive messageI also share some early advice I received to downplay parts of my background and why ignoring that advice was one of the best decisions I made.If you’ve ever wondered whether certain parts of your story “belong” in your brand, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.If you’re feeling stuck in the expert trap—teaching, informing, and explaining, but not fully connecting, this episode will help you see how your ideas, experiences, and point of view are exactly what make your message memorable and trusted.Listen in and reflect: What do people know you for right now—and what do you want them to know you for?Ready to Go Deeper? This is the kind of work we do inside Thought Leader Academy, helping you connect your thought leadership, personal brand, stories, and message into a clear, confident signature talk you can use everywhere.Learn more and schedule a consultation at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/contact/This episode originally aired as episode 349 on October 2, 2023. Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable